Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered key genes involved in colorectal and liver cancers, creating targets for the development of new drugs and therapies.
Monday’s announcement is one piece of a large puzzle when it comes to the genetic origins of cancer. No single human gene is responsible for cancer, but researchers have found that complex networks of genetic actions are responsible for all types of cancers and tumors.
“Our study can help guide the design of new drugs and other therapies that could be used to treat a patient’s cancer,” said Timothy Starr, the lead scientist for the colon cancer research, which was published in the online version of Science.
Starr reported 17 genes linked to colon cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
Vincent Keng reported 15 genes linked to liver cancer. Results were published online by the medical journal Nature Biotechnology.
The U researchers used a unique method to identify the cancer-causing genes. They observed the actions of a so-called “jumping” gene — a segment of DNA that moves around and activates or deactivates genes — in mice. Genetic cancer research in mice typically is applicable to humans, said David Largaespada, who oversees genetic cancer research at the university.
“At the root of all cancer is genetics,” he said, “genes that we’ve either inherited that predispose us to certain types of cancer, or genes that have changed or mutated
for some reason during our lives and initiate cancer.
“Different tumors have different sets of mutated genes, so we have to find all of the genes that can have a role.”
The genes discovered by the U researchers likely aren’t the only ones linked to liver and colorectal cancers. However, Largaespada said, these genes are all “drivers,” which cause cancer, rather than “passengers,” which merely mark the existence of cancer. “If we studied enough tumors, theoretically we might find all the drivers,” he said.
The goal is to create a “cancer gene atlas” that allows doctors to compare tumors against their genetic profiles and recommend the most effective treatments.
U researchers are studying genetic origins of other cancers through the same jumping gene method and seeking funding to study drug development as well.
